Endorphin Elite 2 vs Fast-R Nitro Elite 3: Forgiving or Ferocious?
Saucony built a super shoe that's easy to run in. Puma built one that rewards perfect form. Here's how to pick.
These are two of the most interesting super shoes outside the big three brands, and they are near opposites. The Endorphin Elite 2 aims to suit as many runners as possible. The Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 is designed for runners who already run fast.
The Endorphin Elite 2 pairs supercritical foam with a slotted carbon plate that flexes where your foot bends. It has a 40 mm stack, an 8 mm drop and weighs about 200 g. The ride is soft and smooth, and it forgives a stride that changes late in a marathon.
The Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 is lighter at about 180 g, with a split-sole carbon plate and Nitro Elite foam cut away wherever Puma could save weight. It's quick and nimble, but reviewers agree it's unstable in the heel and midfoot. It suits forefoot strikers and runners with very consistent mechanics, and many testers recommend it for the half marathon and shorter.
Comfort. Both have good uppers. Some reviewers rank the Puma among the most comfortable super shoes they've worn, which is surprising given its stripped-down build.
Price. The Endorphin Elite 2 is about $275. The Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 is about $300.
Our verdict: for a marathon, or if you've found other super shoes unstable, take the Endorphin Elite 2. It's the more forgiving and cheaper shoe. For fast forefoot strikers racing 10K to the half, the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 is the more exciting ride.
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